Classic Inca trail – 4 days

F.A.Qs

How do I get to Cusco?

Most people arrive in Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport only handles domestic flights. If you are flying in from abroad via Lima, you must collect your bags in Lima and check them in again before your flight to Cusco. Four airlines operate round-trip flights between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, JetSMART, Sky Airline, and Avianca. They all offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or Avianca, as they tend to be the most reliable when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

How do I know if the Inca Trail tour is right for me?
The 4-Day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu follows one of the original trails preserved from Inca times, and not everyone manages to get a permit. It is designed for any traveler who can walk independently; no intense training is needed, just a strong desire to hike. However, we always recommend spending some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the city’s altitude before starting the Inca Trail.

What is the best time of year for the Inca Trail tour?
The weather in the Andean region has two seasons: the dry season (April to October), which is the best time, and the rainy season (November to March). Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, a single day can bring rain, sunshine, cloudy skies, and even plenty of sun. The Inca Trail opens on March 1 each year and remains open until the end of January. Today, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle, so its climate is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 20 °C (46 °F to 68 °F). We recommend bringing clothing for both cold and warm weather.

Is the Inca Trail tour closed in February?

Yes. The Inca Trail is closed in February due to the rainy season and maintenance and conservation work on the route.

How many days before should I acclimatize in Cusco?
It is very important to be well adjusted to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike.

Acclimatization: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your Inca Trail tour begins, so you can acclimatize and avoid possible altitude sickness during the hike.

We can help you arrange day hikes and other tours in Cusco for your acclimatization:

Cusco City Tour – Half-day tour / Morning City Tour / Sacred Valley Tour – Full-day tour. If you have already been in another high-altitude area of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city before setting off on the hike.

What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?

Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are restricted-access hikes that must be done at a specific time. These permits/tickets will be arranged by Sakura Expeditions, but they must be booked a few months before your trip. Both offer incredible views of Machu Picchu from directly above. Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours to reach the summit and is spectacular on a clear day, although the views are often limited by clouds. Huayna Picchu takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit and is definitely the more popular of the two. All the views are incredible.

What is the difference between the 2-Day Short Inca Trail and the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail?

Both routes take you to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, but they offer different experiences in terms of duration, difficulty, and route.

The private 2-Day Inca Trail starts at Km 104 and combines one day of hiking with a full visit to Machu Picchu the next day. Along the way, you will pass through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you will get one of the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu. The night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, offering a shorter, more comfortable experience, ideal for those who want to experience the Inca Trail without a multi-day trek.

The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail offers a more complete and demanding experience. The route starts at Km 82 and crosses a variety of Andean landscapes, as well as important archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna. The journey includes 3 nights of camping, accompanied by a guide, porters, and a cook, until reaching Machu Picchu through Intipunku.

In short: the 2-Day Inca Trail is a shorter experience, with hotel accommodation and a concentrated hike; the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is a longer, more demanding journey, ideal for those who want to experience the ancestral route in greater depth and enjoy its landscapes, archaeological sites, and nature.

Both options culminate at Machu Picchu and offer a special way to follow in the footsteps of the Incas.

Will I receive information before my trip?

The day before your departure, you will receive a detailed briefing from your guide. This may be in a group or individually at your hotel.

Can I update my passport?

Yes. If you renew your passport after booking and your passport number changes, you must let us know as soon as possible so we can request an update of your details.

To complete the process, we recommend keeping and bringing both your old and new passports, as both may be needed to verify the update.

Please note that Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets and permits are issued in your name and linked to the details registered at the time of booking. Changes are subject to the regulations and procedures established by the relevant authorities.

Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months at the time of entering Peru.

Can I spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes?

Of course. If you are fine with taking the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary (usually at 6:20 p.m.), there is no additional charge to move your return train back by one day. If you need us to book your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, there will be an additional cost. If you choose to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes, please inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance so your train ticket can be purchased for the correct day.

Do I need hiking shoes?

We always recommend hiking boots. Those with ankle support are very helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers. Because you will be going down many steps built by the Incas, which are now uneven and of different heights, the extra support helps protect your ankles.

Should I use trekking poles?

Poles are always useful for hikers and are recommended for this trek. There are many stairs to go down, all built by the Incas; they vary in height and are not all straight. Using poles can help relieve pressure on your knees on this part of the trail, and they will also help you on the way up. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips, or the park rangers will not allow you to use them. You can buy rubber tips in Cusco if you forget them before leaving.

Do I have to pay a remaining balance?

We would greatly appreciate it if you pay in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, at our office here in Cusco. There are many ATMs in the historic center where you can withdraw money.

What size hiking backpack is recommended?

We recommend a 30- to 60-liter backpack, depending on whether you hire an extra porter to carry part of your luggage.

With an extra porter: a 30-liter backpack is usually enough for your personal items, the day’s clothing, and your sleeping bag.

Without an extra porter: we recommend a 50- to 60-liter backpack to carry everything you need for the route, including your sleeping bag.

We recommend bringing only what you need and distributing the weight properly to hike more comfortably.

Can I leave my luggage at the office?

Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.

Are tips expected?

Tipping is part of the tradition of any hike to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please note that tipping is not mandatory, and you should never feel pressured to do so.